US3848226A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
High capacity underwater acoustic release
Assignee: AMF Inc
•
Filing: 1973-04-17
•
Granted: 1974-11-12
•
Expires: 1993-04-17
Abstract
Abstract A high capacity underwater acoustic release means is described. A tubular housing is provided for containing an electronic acoustic receiver for detecting a coded acoustic command signal and a detonation means for actuating a release mechanism in response to the detection of said command signal. The release mechanism is coupled to the exterior of said receiver housing and includes a pair of evenly spaced support plates having a release linkage means disposed therebetween. The support plates extend longitudinally of said receiver housing beyond both ends thereof and are provided at one end with a shackle means for attachment to a cable or other suitable means. The release linkage is disposed between said plates at said other end and includes at least one pivotally mounted release arm operatively associated with the detonation means, and a pivotally mounted pelican hook. The load to be released is supported by said pelican hook until said release linkage is actuated by said detonation means.
Inventors
- 👤 G Perez
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 23:46
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63C; B63C7/00; B63C7/26; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S294/00; Y10S294/905
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
208 words
An underwater release mechanism for releasing a load in response to an acoustic command signal comprising: a. an elongated housing containing an acoustic receiver for detecting said command signal; b. a pair of evenly spaced support plates disposed longitudinally of said housing and at least coextensive therewith, said support plates being removably coupled to the side walls of said housing by clamp means and having a portion extending beyond one end of said housing for releasably supporting the load to be released; c. a release linkage pivotally mounted between said side plates in said portion extending beyond said one end of said housing, said release linkage including a pelican hook pivotally mounted about an axis passing through said support plates and having a hook portion for releasably supporting said load, said hook portion being offset from the axis of said pelican hook, and release arm means pivotally mounted between said plates between said pelican hook and said one end of said housing for preventing said pelican hook from rotating; and d. actuating means disposed in said one end of said housing for rotating said release arm means to thereby permit said pelican hook to rotate in response to the detection of a command signal by said acoustic receiver.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
208 words
An underwater release mechanism for releasing a load in response to an acoustic command signal comprising: a. an elongated housing containing an acoustic receiver for detecting said command signal; b. a pair of evenly spaced support plates disposed longitudinally of said housing and at least coextensive therewith, said support plates being removably coupled to the side walls of said housing by clamp means and having a portion extending beyond one end of said housing for releasably supporting the load to be released; c. a release linkage pivotally mounted between said side plates in said portion extending beyond said one end of said housing, said release linkage including a pelican hook pivotally mounted about an axis passing through said support plates and having a hook portion for releasably supporting said load, said hook portion being offset from the axis of said pelican hook, and release arm means pivotally mounted between said plates between said pelican hook and said one end of said housing for preventing said pelican hook from rotating; and d. actuating means disposed in said one end of said housing for rotating said release arm means to thereby permit said pelican hook to rotate in response to the detection of a command signal by said acoustic receiver.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The release mechanism of claim 1 wherein said clamp means includes means for indexing said clamp means at a predetermined reference point on said housing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The release mechanism of claim 1 wherein said clamp means includes a stem portion which fits between said plates for evenly spacing the same.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The release mechanism of claim 1 wherein said actuating means comprises a squib means for constraining a piston means against said release arm means tO thereby rotate said release arm means in response to the detonation of said squib means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
82 words
The release mechanism of claim 4 wherein said release arm means comprises: a first release arm pivotally mounted between said portion of said plates and having a first end in engagement with said piston means, and having a shoulder thereon; and a second release arm pivotally mounted between said plates and having an end for releasably engaging said shoulder of said first release arm, said second release arm further including a hook portion for releasably engaging one end of said pelican hook.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The release mechanism of claim 5 including shear pin means for preventing rotation of said first release arm until said squib means is detonated.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The release mechanism of claim 4 wherein said release arm means comprises a single release arm pivotally mounted between said plates and having one end in engagement with said piston means and one end releasably engaged with said pelican hook.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The release mechanism of claim 7 including shear pin means for preventing rotation of said release arm until said squib means is detonated.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The release mechanism of claim 7 including a removable safety bolt means for preventing accidental rotation of said pelican hook.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-11-11 | 1978-05-13 | 1978-11-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-11 | 1982-05-13 | 1982-11-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-11 | 1986-05-13 | 1986-11-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |